The Digby Family on the front verandah of their home Sommerset House 21 Albert Street Port FairyBlack and white photographcottage, building, home, house

Opened on Tuesday, November 15th, 1921 the Hall was erected by the Citizens of Bendigo to commemorate the deeds of the men and women of the district who served in the Great War. Now one of the largest Memorial Museums in the country the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial is now home to a broad range of military memorabilia. Situated on the highly visible Pall Mall, the hall was redeveloped and officially reopened as a museum in 2018. Brown paper covered booklet with front cover cut out window showing the dome of the Soldiers Memorial. Inside describes the reason for the building of the Soldiers Memorial and the programme for the opening events. Mayor Holland gave a speech with the Y.W.C.A providing the afternoon tea. city of greater bendigo memorials

Harriet Cecilia Hordern Williams (1889 - 1968) was the grand-daughter of William Hordern (1830 - 1881) and Cecelia Monger (1830 - 1914). William Hordern was the sixth of seven children of Anthony Hordern Snr. who established the Anthony Hordern & Sons department store in Sydney which operated from 1923 to 1970. Harriet's mother Cecilia (1854 - 1934) was married to Christopher Williams. Harriet's uncle William was appointed commissioner of the Supreme Court of South Australia in 1903. Her cousin Doris Amelia Hordern (1889 - 1970), as Doris Blackburn won the Federal seat of Bourke in 1946 following the death of her husband who had previously held the seat. This branch of the Hordern family has a strong connection to Hawthorn through their home "Stramshall" in Auburn Road Hawthorn and also with the Auburn Baptist Church. Harriet Williams enlisted in the Australian Army Nurse in December 1916 and served as a Staff Nurse until her marriage in London in 1919. This certificate is significant to the history of Hawthorn and Australia through its connection with the Hordern family, the home Stramshall in Hawthorn and with the Auburn Baptist Church. It is significant to the history of the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne as an example of early 20th century training protocol, in the persons who signed the certificate and the photographs of the hospital buildings of that time. Leather bound certificate of two pages hinged together as a book. Gold lettering embossed on the front. Gold ornamental border embossed on front and back. Inside a personalised presentation certificate on one page. Second page has photographs of the Melbourne Children's Hospital circa 1916.Certificate Reads: Childrens Hospital/ Training School For Nurses/ Melbourne October 5th 1916 This is to certify that Harriet Cecilia Hordern Williams has attended the prescribed course of Three Years Teaching at the Training School for Nurses in connection with the Childrens Hospital and has passed the examinations necessary for registration as a TRAINED NURSE. Signed by: Lalla Williams - Signature of Nurse M. J Turnbull, President Cora C. Oakden , Honorary Secretary Examiners: F. Hobill Cole M.D. A. Jeffreys Wood M.D. E. Alan Mackay M.B.B.S. Douglas Stephenson M.D.M.S. A. E. Rowden White M.D. Stuart W. Ferguson M.D. Captions on the photographs read: Convalescent Home Brighton Nurses Home Children's Hospital Princess May Pavilion Red Cross with banner beneath reading BY LABOR MUST THE PRIZE BE WON Printed on certificate: Sands & McDougall Limited Melb.childrens hospital, certificate, nurse, hordern, williams, hawthorn, harriet williams, lalla williams, rowden white, cora oakden, hobill cole, jeffreys wood, mary jane turnbull, alan mackay, douglas stephenson, stuart ferguson, brighton convalescent home, princess may pavilion

This photograph depicts the Sister-in-charge with a group of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS,) Trained nurses, 'Nurses", with their bicycles, which were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The bicycles enabled their Nurses to visit more patients over a wider area. They are identified as: L-R back row: Trained Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis, Young. L-R front row: Isobel Curnow, Annie Roberts, Isabel Hawkes (Sister in Charge), Becker. Their uniforms were a grey cotton dress with white collar, cuffs and belt and their was a red Maltese cross on their pith helmets. They gave nursing care to the poor in the inner Melbourne and close surrounding areas (districts). On the 17th of February 1885, just 50 years after Melbourne was founded, a preliminary meeting of ladies and gentlemen who were anxious to form a society to provide "skilled nursing" for the sick poor in their own homes was held in Mrs William McCulloch’s home at Spring Street, Melbourne. At this meeting it was decided “that the association would be called the Melbourne District Nursing Society”, the first Society of its kind in Australia, and “that the special object of the Society shall be to secure skilled nursing for the sick poor in their own homes”. On the 16th of March a Committee was formed to “arrange for engaging one "duly qualified nurse”. On the 1st of May 1885 a Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed at £100 per annum, and a second Nurse, Mrs. Joanne Cannon, commenced six months later. In that era the term ‘Nurse’ was used even though they were ‘qualified’ i.e. ‘trained’ nurses. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality Trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed, as well as providing wood and coal in the winter. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Sepia photograph of eight Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses posing with their bicycles in a park; some are partly hidden. Nurse's uniforms consist of long grey dresses with white belts, cuffs and collars and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross in the centre. Oblong leather nursing bags of varying sizes are strapped to five of the bicycles. In the centre is Sister-in-charge – Mrs Hawkes (in white); to her left are 4 Nurses and to her right 3. L-R – Front row – Trained Nurses Curnow, Roberts, (Hawkes) and Becker. Back row – Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis and Young. Trees and a palm are in the background. The bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), bicycles, nurses, uniforms, mdns, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse annie roberts, sister-in-charge isabel hawkes, trained nurse taylor, trained nurse steele, trained nurse francis, trained nurse young, trained nurse becker, trained nurse isobel curnow

Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at RDNS and is giving a lecture to RDNS Sisters in the Education Department at 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne. She is wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on the upper left.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses (Nurses), through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS Sisters attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin obtained a Post Basic Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her Education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of the RDNS Sisters. This black and white photograph shows Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley and seventeen (some partly hidden), Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters. The bulk of the photograph shows the front view of three rows of RDNS Sisters sitting at tables which have books and sheets of paper on them. The Sisters are wearing a variety of day clothes. In the right foreground of the Photograph is a table containing papers, and standing to its right, facing the group, is the back view of Sr. Rowley, who has short dark hair and glasses. She has her left hand on a sheet of paper on the table. She is wearing her RDNS uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a dark tunic style frock. In the rear of the photograph a brick fireplace can be seen with some books and a vase of flowers on the mantelpiece. On the right is a long curtain, some lockers and an open wooden door with glass panel. Some of the Sisters named are:- Ann Greenwood, Judy Peter, Ethel Fullarton, Barbara Lovell, Shirley Lewis, Jane Ball..Barry Sutton Stamp. Quote LY 68royal district nursing service (1966-2017), rdns, rdns education, sister ethel fullerton, sister barbara lovell, sister shirley lewis, sister jane ball, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister ann greenwood, sister judy peter

The photograph is taken in the car park at Royal District Nursing Service ( RDNS) Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Sr. Harris is assisting to load the bassinet and the other nursing equipment into the RDNS Van for Mr. Pincher to deliver to the appropriate RDNS Centre or to patient's homes. In 1971 the Commission shop donated a Van to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), to be used by the Maintenance crew for delivery of equipment and transporting goods and documents between RDNS Centres and Headquarters. It was also used for transporting Maintenance staff, and the equipment they required, to do maintenance work at RDNS Centres as needed. The Commission Van was kept at the RDNS Service Centre at Chessell Street, South Melbourne. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, known as the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, equipment was loaned and demonstrated to patients, and their family members, to enable them to care for their loved ones in their home. In the 1970s RDNS employed a Physiotherapist who taught RDNS staff the correct transferring techniques, including the use of a hoist when this became available. RDNS staff taught and used these techniques in patient’s homes to undertake safe transfer of the patient and to reduce physical strain on RDNS Sisters and family members. Each RDNS Centre had a room or shed where equipment for loan was kept, and Headquarters also kept additional equipment which could be transported to Centres as required.On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing (RDNS), Sister Betty Harris, who is standing side-on in front of the open door of a white Van. She wears glasses, has dark curled hair, and is smiling, as she has her arms outstretched with her right hand under a white bassinet as she passes it to Mr. Pincher who is standing in and leaning out of the opening of the Van. Mr. Pincher has wavy light colour hair and is smiling at Sr. Harris as he is holding the other end of the bassinet. He is wearing a dark cardigan over a white shirt. On the far left of the photograph, part of an RDNS car is seen and in front of this part of a walking frame. A pair of wooden crutches lean against the open Van door and a wheelchair and a 4 pronged stick are to the right of Sr. Harris. Behind them part of the Van with part of a window in its upper area are seen. Sr. Harris is wearing her RDNS uniform of a light grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style frock.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns equipment, rdns uniform, sister betty harris, mr pincher

This black and white photograph shows a group of RDNS Sisters who are part of the Post Basic Community Nursing Course. They are receiving education from Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley, RDNS Principal Nurse Educator. The session is being held in the Education Department at the Royal District Nursing Service Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne.The RDNS winter uniform worn is a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material frock.Melbourne District Nursing Service ran its first Post-Basic Course for community nurses in 1962. Sisters attended the course for 12 weeks. The course ran annually until the mid 1990s. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained nurses (Nurses) through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with their Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin obtained a Post Basic Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her Education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of RDNS Sisters. This black and white photograph is of a group of seven Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters sitting in a semi-circle in two rows at single small two shelf tables. There are open white paged books or papers on each table and some of the Sisters have pens in their hands. The Sister sitting in the front far right is Sr. Affleck, who has dark short curly hair. The other Sisters have dark short hair in various styles. Further right in the photograph stands Sr. Rowley, who has dark short hair and is wearing glasses. She has her left hand supporting a torso of an anatomical model which is sitting on a table slightly to her left. She and the Sisters are looking at the vertebrae down the spine of the model. Another empty table is in front of the semi-circle and it sits in the centre foreground of the photograph. In the rear between Sr. Affleck and Sr. Rowley, a piece of equipment stands on a table. To the right of the photograph part of a large blackboard can be seen. The Sisters are wearing light grey skivvies under a darker V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on its upper left.Photographers stamp. Quote No. LD 8rdns education, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister margaret affleck

A public appeal was made to raise funds for Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) so motor cars could be purchased to assist their Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, with their visits during the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1919. With donations from businesses and individuals four cars were available within a month, and this photograph shows two of them In 1919 parked outside 'Floraston', 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, which was the first MDNS Headquarters and Nursing Home purchased by the Society. The MDNS uniform was a grey cotton frock with white collar, a grey coat with lapels, and a grey brimmed hat with a red Maltese cross in the centre of the hatband. From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked from their own homes which were located in the vicinity of their areas (districts). In November 1891 MDNS was able to rent a two story terraced house at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton, at £65 a year, which contained accommodation for three Nurses and one pupil nurse as well as being used as their Headquarters. They left from their Nurses Home each morning and returned at the end of their shift to write up their book work before retiring for the day. Three years later they moved into a larger terraced house at 49 Drummond Street Carlton which was rented at ‘a very moderate rental’. There was a Board room, apartments for the Nurses and pupil nurse, a large dispensary which patients could attend each evening to have prescriptions signed and bottles refilled with ‘homely remedies’ and elixirs, which were administered to for e.g. Consumptive cases. Doctor’s prescriptions were filled at the Pharmacy. Cupboards containing donated blankets and bedclothes for needy patients were kept in this room, and it was here where the Nurses kept their nursing bags which were refilled at the end of each shift ready for any emergency and for the next day. A list of Doctors the Nurses could call was kept by the telephone. The home also had a kitchen where nourishing soup was made and distributed twice a week to the needy. Milk was also distributed when needed. In 1902 they moved into rented premises at 188 Leicester Street, Carlton and two years later, in 1904, to premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. They remained there for ten years. In June 1914 at last the Society had sufficient funding to purchase their own terraced premises, ‘Floraston’ 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood which was their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45); the District nurses continued to live at No. 39. District Nursing has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the Nurses walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford 'T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Trained nurses, now called 'Sisters' to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until MDNS and, having received Royal patronage, the now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles.Sepia photograph on grey mounting board depicting four Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Nurses) sitting in two motor vehicles in front of Melbourne District Nursing Society Headquarters and Nurses Home. In the foreground are the two Ford Model T vehicles with their soft hoods open. Each car has four spoked wheels. A frame where a spare wheel is attached can be seen attached to the rear car's running board. A spare wheel, with white tyre, can be seen standing up resting against the middle of the front car; the lower section of the tyre is sitting on the running board. The steering wheel can be seen on the right hand side of both cars with a Nurse sitting behind it with her hands resting on the wheel. The upper part seen of the two MDNS Nurses in each car shows they are wearing grey uniform coats over their frocks, the white collars of which can be seen. They are all looking at the camera, and are wearing grey hats with a central Maltese cross on the white hatband. Behind the cars the footpath and the metal spiked fence, with a square concrete columns at either end can be seen. '39' is near the top of the left hand column and a white oblong name plate is attached to the fence. On the far right of the photograph a wooden gate runs from the column. A dark name plate is attached with the words 'Patient Entrance' / - 'Melbourne District Nursing Society -/ For Nursing the Sick Poor'. Behind this are a row of shrubs forming a hedge and behind this the two storey terrace building with its three arched arcade veranda on the ground floor and three long widows on the top floor with a veranda with a metal scrolled safety rail. The building has a flat roof with a central raised section with 'Floraston', written in capital letters on it. XJ. 13. is written in black ink on the bottom right corner of the photographPhotographer's stamp on mounting boardmelbourne district nursing society, mdns, transport, nurses home, rdns, royal district nursing service

Miss Kosch is a private physiotherapist contracted by RDNS. She is at RDNS Heidelberg Centre teaching RDNS staff a safe method of lifting and transferring Sr. Geldard from a chair. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975 who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.Standing in the rear left of the black and white photograph is Ms Kosch, who has short curled dark hair and is wearing a check suit. She is looking down at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Sister (Sr) Daphne Geldard, who has collar length curled dark hair, and is seated in front of her on a padded kitchen type chair. To Sr. Geldard's right, standing, is Sr Elizabeth Francis who has short dark curled hair and is bending forward with her arms outstretched under Sr. Geldard's armpits. She has her right leg braced against Sr. Geldard's right knee Sr Bev. Armstrong, who has short blonde hair, is standing at the right rear observing the procedure. The three Sisters are wearing a grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. A black below knee boot is seen on Sr. Geldard's right leg. A closed dark wooden door with a white surround is behind Ms Kosch and to its right another chair is seen against the wall. Photographers stamp , names of staff, date and location. Quote KY 35rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns physiotherapy, sister elizabeth francis, sister daphne geldard, sister bev armstrong, ms kosch

The Sister-in-Charge, Florence Lee-Archer, and a Trained nurse (Nurse) are about to leave the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy to visit patients. The MDNS moved into these larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. This establishment was their Headquarters as well as the Nurses Home. Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer and five Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, were employed by MDNS at that time to visit and give nursing care to the poor in their own homes. In 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease and teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. The Nurses provided nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each, which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added at a cost of £5 per frame so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week, and if patients could not arrange to have it collected, the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used and straw hats in summer. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform, but this did not occur until 1921.Digital Image showing, on the right, Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer wearing a long white uniform and white cap with long white tail (veil) seen hanging from its rear. On her left, is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a long grey uniform with white collar and cuffs, and wearing a pale colour straw hat with Maltese cross in the centre of the white hatband. The hat is held on by a veil over the hat and tied under her chin. They are standing by their bicycles, the front wheels and handlebars seen; the Nurse has a nursing bag attached to the handlebars of her bicycle. Behind them and to their right, a black sign with the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing the Sick Poor in their Own Homes' written in white capital letters can be seen attached to the metal spiked fence. Behind this are some shrubs and part of a building in the rear.Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing The Sick Poor In Their Own Homes.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns headquarters, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, sister florence lee-archer

This photograph is a record of Matron Beatrice Williams with some of the Trained nurses (Sisters) who worked in the District division of Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home in 1933, just prior to Matron Williams resigning to be married. It was taken in front of the Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood and shows part of the District nursing uniform worn by the MDNS Sisters in the 1930s. At that time their uniform dresses, worn under their coats, were grey cotton and their brimmed hats were made of felt and had a red Maltese cross applied to the centre front of the hatband.Miss Beatrice Williams worked as a Trained Nurse (Sister) with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) before going to England to gain her Midwifery certificate. After qualifying, she worked as a Tutor sister and a District Superintendent at the University College Hospital in London. On returning to Australia she was appointed, in April 1929, Matron of the District division of the MDNS After-Care Home (Hospital from 1934). She convinced the Committee of the need for Ante Natal care and in 1930 the Ante Natal Clinic was opened at the After-Care. She continued as Matron until 1933 when she married Dr. J.P Major, and was invited to join the Committee of Management. In the early 1950s when the Government requested the Society separate and it take over the After Care Hospital, she became President of the now named Melbourne District Nursing Service with its Headquarters and Nursing Home moving to 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Beatrice had an understanding of the poor, the sick and the aged, and was known for her kindness and sympathy. Her foresight, leadership and enthusiasm brought forth the expansion of District nursing. She died on the 15th of August 1958. The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.Black and white photograph showing Matron, Miss Beatrice Williams, wearing a white uniform and veil over her short dark hair, and a group of thirteen Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses (Sisters) outside the front of their Nurses Home. The Sisters are wearing grey coats over their grey uniforms and grey brimmed hats with a Maltese cross applied to the white headband. Matron is sitting in the centre of six Sisters and there are seven Sisters standing behind them on the veranda; a round column is seen to the right between the 4th and 5th Sisters. Part of the grey building behind shows an open door to the left and a long window to the right. A scrolled metal safety rail, running from the round column, is seen in front of the three nurses on the right. The seated Sisters and Matron have their legs crossed at the ankles, melbourne district nursing society, mdns nurses, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns uniforms, matron beatrice mary williams

The MDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) are about to board two motor vehicles outside their Nurses home, at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, to be driven to give nursing care to their patients who lived a distance away. The lady Chauffeur is probably Miss Sword who was employed by MDNS in 1922-23; she was also in charge of the garage. This enabled the Sisters to do more visits in a day than when using Public transport all the time. This image also shows the style of cars driven in that era. The Sisters uniforms are grey and their hats have a red Maltese cross attached to the centre front of the hatband. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a female Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding, and In 1929 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) formed a volunteer Motor Auxiliary to transport their Trained Nurses (Sisters) to make visits more patients who lived a distance away. At first wealthy people offered their car and chauffeur, but then the general public supplied their own vehicles. They operated on week days when able and could take up to three Sisters at a time, collecting them from the Nurses Home, 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, at 9 a.m; dropping each Sister at a patient then picking them up and taking them to the next patient before completing the morning round and returning to the Nurses Home at 1 p.m.. The Sisters were able to double the number of visits they did each morning and did their afternoon visits on public transport. At its peak there were 60 volunteers but this fell off during World War 11. In 1944 the Red Cross were assisting, and by 1953 were taking out 16 MDNS Sisters. Appeals for volunteers occurred over the years, particularly during the Tram and Tramway Bus strike in the 1950s, and when the Royal Women's Hospital had an influx of births and wanted to send the mothers and babies home on day four but could not do so if M.D.N.S. could not visit. During 1962 the Motor Auxiliary transported 34 Sisters who preferred not to drive themselves, but as the MDNS fleet of cars grew there was less need for their service and the Auxiliary was disbanded in 1971. Some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. IA black and white digital image showing, in the left foreground, the frontal view of an early model, 1920s, soft hooded car parked on the road next to the gutter. Two front spoked wheels are seen, and headlights sit either side of the radiator at the front of the nose shaped bonnet.. '3758' is written in white on the black number plate below the radiator. The female Chauffeur is dressed in a dark coat and peaked hat and is standing by the partly open driver's door. The passenger door is open and a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister is standing on the footpath behind the door. Another Sister stands behind her. There is another similar car parked behind the first one. It is partly obscured, its hood is down; it has spoked wheels and one of its headlights can be seen beside the partially obscured radiator. Part of the black number plate can be seen with two of its numbers, '69', written in white. A partly obscured Sister is standing by the driver's door and another behind the open passenger door. Another Sister is standing at the rear of this car..The five MDNS Sisters are wearing their uniform grey coats and felt brimmed grey hats with a Maltese cross applied to the centre hatband, Leafless trees and some buildings can be seen in the background.melbourne district nursing society, after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns motor auxiliary, mdns uniforms, miss sword, female chauffeur

Dame Ivy Evelyn Annie Wedgwood, as Senator in the Federal Government, presented the Senate with Statistics of visits done by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Sisters) showing their visits increased threefold in the four years from 1952-1956. She was Honorary Treasurer of the now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) for many years. Dame Ivy Evelyn Annie Wedgwood trained as an Accountant and worked as a Secretary before joining the Australian Women's National League which led her to be a founding member of the Liberal Party, and the Victorian Liberal Party's women's section. She became the first Victorian woman Senator in the Federal Government in December 1949 and served until mid 1971. She presented the Senate with Statistics of visits done by Melbourne District Nursing Society Sisters showing their visits increased threefold in the four years from 1952-1956, and stating that many patients would have been hospitalized without the visits from the Society. She strongly supported the Home Nursing Subsidy Bill in Parliament which was passed in 1956, and continued to work for health, welfare and disability issues as well as being an advocate for women's interests, including equal pay for equal work, during her time in Parliament. Over the years she was a specialist magistrate to the Children's Court of Victoria, a Justice of the Peace, served on the National Council of Women, and was president of the Women's Justice Association, as well as Honorary Treasurer of the now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) for many years and the first President of the Australian Council of Domiciliary Nursing. In June 1967 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for 'distinguished services to Parliament and the community' and RDNS holds this award in its Archives. Following her retirement from Parliament she became President of the After-Care Hospital in 1972, and on the 24th of July 1975 after chairing a Board meeting she felt unwell and returned to her home in Toorak where she died, aged 78 years, later that evening.Black and white photograph showing Dame Ivy Wedgwood, who has short wavy dark hair; is wearing glasses and has a single string of pearls around her neck. She and is sitting in a light coloured covered chair and part of a cushion is seen. She is wearing a floral dress with mid length sleeves and is sitting in front of a filled bookcase. A smaller filled bookcase is seen to her left as well as some stacked books.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, after- care hospital, royal district nursing service, rdns, dame evelyn annie wedgwood

This photograph is a visual record of Mrs. Major, then Miss Beatrice Williams was appointed Matron of the District Nursing Division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) After Care Home in April 1929 until 1933 when she resigned to marry Mr. J.P. Major. Following her marriage she was invited to become a member of the Society's Committee. In 1957 she was the first President of the Melbourne District Nursing Service.Mrs. Major, then Miss Beatrice Williams worked as a Sister with the Melbourne District Nursing Society in the early 1920s, before sailing tor England where she studied Midwifery and Community nursing. On her return her leadership qualities were recognized and she was appointed Matron of the District Nursing Division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home in April 1929, being considered 'capable, sympathetic, a good organizer and administrator and with understanding of the problems of the under-privileged, the aged and the sick'.. She was instrumental in convincing the Committee of Management of the need for an Ante-Natal Clinic which then opened at the After-Care Home in September 1930. Matron Williams tendered her resignation in 1933 as she was to marry Mr. J.P. Major. Following her marriage she was invited to become a member of the Society's Committee, and at the time of the dissolution of the Society and After-Care in 1957, was the first President of the now Melbourne District Nursing Service, a role she held until her death on 15th of February 1958.Black and white photograph of the head and shoulder view of Mrs. J.P. Major, nee Beatrice Mary Williams, who has short dark hair curled at the ends. She is wearing a light coloured floral frock with a square neckline.. She is sitting in front of a closed curtain.melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service, matron, beatrice mary williams, mrs j.p. major

This is a photographic record of Matron Beatrice Williams and the Trained nurses, (Sisters), of the District Nursing division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society who worked in the community give nursing care to patient's in their homes. Their uniforms are grey and the Maltese cross on the Sisters hats is red.From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Trained nurses (Nurses), firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced in 1903 the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Trained nurses (Sisters) were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,Black and white photograph of Matron Beatrice Williams wearing a white uniform and veil, with a group of twelve Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) trained nurses (Sisters) wearing their calf length uniforms of grey coats, and grey brimmed hats with pale grey hat band with central Maltese cross, standing in the garden of the MDNS After-Care home.No. 8526 on rear of photographmelbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns matron, miss beatrice mary williams

This photograph shows Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained Nurses (known as 'Nurse' in those days) attending to a family in the early 1900s. It also shows their uniform which had a red Maltese cross in the centre of the pith helmet. The bicycle seen is the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The Nurse's bag is seen strapped to the handles of the bicycle. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first District Nursing Society in Australia, was founded and the decision was made to only employ fully qualified nurses who had trained in a Hospital. In those days they were known as 'Nurse'. One Trained nurse, was employed in March, and a second employed six months later. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and only attended patients seen by a Doctor. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. The Nurses provided high quality nursing care to a range of people often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. The Nurses liaised with the person's Doctor. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Black and white photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, 'Nurse', wearing their full length grey uniforms, with white collar, cuffs and belt, and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross applied. One Nurse is standing and holding her bicycle, while the other is kneeling and holding a small child. They are in the garden behind a horizontal weatherboard house. A man dressed in dark clothes is also kneeling beside the child. There is a child, dressed in white, in the doorway of the home, and a lady, dressed in a full length black dress and a white apron, is standing in front of the wooden fence in the garden. The bicycle has two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service

This hat is part of the uniform worn by all the Trained nurses (Sisters) of the Melbourne District Nursing Service, (MDNS), during the 1960s. The Sisters travelled around the inner and outer suburbs of Melbourne administering nursing care to patients in their homes. From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Trained nurses firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. The nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,A Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) felt grey peaked hat, which has a deep crown and a flat top. Stitching comes from four corners of the crown at an angle to a grey band, which contains several rows of stitching, and surrounds the crown.. A stiff sloping grey brim, containing several rows of stitching, joins the band surrounding the crown, the rear of the brim is turned up and the front forms a peak. A cotton red Maltese cross is sewn to the centre front of the crown and band. A white with blue 'created by Effie Joy' label is attached to the inner hat band along with 'Size 22'. The crown is 9.5 cm deep and the brim is 5 cm deepmdns, melbourne district nursing service, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service

The Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was extended and the name changed from 'Home' to 'Hospital' in 1934. This is a sketch of the Administrative building and shows the style of Hospital Architecture of the 1930sThe Melbourne District Nursing Society, (MDNS), built the After-Care Home in 1926. The Home was extended and the name changed to Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital in 1934. It was situated at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. Patients of the Society who needed more care than could be given at home, but did not need hospitalization, were nursed there along with many patients from Melbourne hospitals who needed further care before going home. Many children were nursed in the hospital, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and schooling was given to them in the hospital. In September 1930 an Ante-Natal Clinic was established. In October 1934 a Women's Welfare Clinic was opened to educate women on birth control. This was the first of its kind in Melbourne. The After Care Hospital was under the Society's banner until 1956. In 1957 the MDNS and the After-Care separated with the Government taking over the running of the After-Care Hospital. Melbourne District Nursing Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Service, later Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) after Royal patronage in 1966..A digital image of a sketch of the front view of the After-Care Hospital. It shows a three storey building, and on the left of the ground floor are two large windows, each with a grid of approximately twenty-one small panes of glass; divided with sash bars holding the glass. To the right of this is a double scroll door, then the building divided with five, nine pane long windows along it. There is a column portico in front of the door. The second and third storeys have eleven rows of long small pane windows with the central brick section between the floors having three roundels attached. A flat roof section runs along the the top of the third storey with the words 'After Care Hospital' written in black capital letters in the centre. Above this central section is some balustrade with finials either end. To the right of this building; part of a two storey building with the same style windows can be seen. mdns, melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, after-care home, melbourne district nursing service

The first After-Care Home in Melbourne was built by the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1926 for patients of the Society who needed more nursing care than could be given at home but did not need hospitalization. Many patients from Melbourne hospitals who needed further care following discharge from hospital were nursed at the After-Care before going home. The Melbourne District Nursing Society, (MDNS), built the After-Care Home in 1926. The Home was extended and the name changed to Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital in 1934. It was situated at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. Patients of the Society who needed more care than could be given at home, but did not need hospitalization were nursed there, along with many patients from Melbourne hospitals who needed further care before going home. Many children were nursed in the hospital, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and schooling was given to them in the hospital. In September 1930 an Ante-Natal Clinic was established. In October 1934 a Women's Welfare Clinic was opened to educate women on birth control. This was the first of its kind in Melbourne. The MDNS After Care Hospital was under District's banner until 1956. In 1957 the MDNS and the After-Care separated with the Government taking over the running of the After-Care. Melbourne District Nursing Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Service and in 1966 was given Royal patronage and renamed Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Digital image of a front, and part of the left side view, of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home and shows the entrance. The white plaque, attached in the centre of the brickwork between the two storeys in the front of the building reads 'Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home' in black capital letters. It is a two story brick building with a tiled pitched roof, and shows two chimneys. There are four long windows running along both storeys of the front and side views. Near the rear left hand side of the building a portico can be seen and behind this part of a brick building with window runs to the left. Greenery is against part of the building and white flowers are seen in the foreground of the photograph. after- care hospital, after-care home, melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service

Matron F. L. Gordon and the Sisters are standing in front of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The Nurses lived in this residence from 1914-1953. In 1926 the After-Care Home was built next door. This image was taken twelve months after the name of the Society changed from 'Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care 'Home' to 'Hospital'. The photograph shows the uniform of the District Division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society in the 1930s, with the uniform dress made of grey cotton. Their brimmed hat was made of felt with a cotton hat band with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the Trained nurses, called 'Nurse' in those days, of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked from their own homes which were located in the vicinity of their areas (districts). In November 1891 MDNS was able to rent a two story terraced house at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton, at £65 a year, which contained accommodation for three Nurses and one pupil nurse as well as being used as their Headquarters. They left from their Nurses Home each morning and returned at the end of their shift to write up their book work before retiring for the day. Three years later, in 1894, they moved into a larger terraced house at 49 Drummond Street Carlton which was rented at ‘a very moderate rental’. There was a Board room, apartments for the Nurses and pupil nurse, a large dispensary which patients could attend each evening to have prescriptions signed and bottles refilled with ‘homely remedies’ and elixirs, which were administered for e.g. Consumptive cases. Doctor’s prescriptions were filled at the Pharmacy. Cupboards containing donated blankets and bedclothes for needy patients were kept in this room, and it was here where the Nurses kept their nursing bags which were refilled at the end of each shift ready for any emergency and for the next day. A list of Doctors the Nurses could call was kept by the telephone. The Home also had a kitchen where nourishing soup was made and distributed twice a week to the needy. Milk was also distributed when needed. In 1902 they moved into rented premises at 188 Leicester Street, Carlton and two years later, in 1904, to premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. They remained there for ten years and an Auction of furniture was held before their next move giving an idea of some of the contents: - Carpets, linoleum, walnut and oak sideboards, dining tables, walnut dining suite, Vienna chairs, walnut bedroom suite, cedar wardrobes, chests of drawers, duchess chests, bedsteads and bedding and general furnishings were for sale. In June 1914 at last the Society had sufficient funding to purchase their own terraced premises, ‘Floraston’ 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood which became their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45); the District Sisters continued to live at No. 39. In November 1953 the District Nursing Division moved into their new Headquarters and Nurses Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, with a change of name to Melbourne District Nursing Service in 1957. With Royal patronage, this changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) in 1966. As District expanded, and now with outlying districts to service and with a full fleet of District cars, Sisters lived in their own homes and visited their District Centre each morning to collect their work for the day and returned there at the end of their days work in the community to carry out their administrative work. The digital image shows Matron, Miss F.L. Gordon, wearing a white uniform and veil and a dark coloured cape standing amid a group of eleven District Trained nurses (Sisters), from the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). Two Sisters are to her left and the others to her right. They are standing in front of a grey building. The Sisters are wearing their uniforms of grey long coats with lapels; the coat is secured with a belt around the waist. This is worn over their grey uniforms, with white collars. Each Sister is wearing their uniform grey brimmed hat with a Maltese cross attached to the light hatband, and are carrying a square shaped nursing case. They are standing in two rows, with some on the veranda of the building and some in front on the path; two Sisters are just off the path amid the shrubs. Part of the grey concrete building can be seen behind the Sisters with the open door to the left and part of three long windows seen to its right. One Sister has her lower left arm resting on the veranda rail.'Miss F.L. Gordon, Matron, and some of the District Sisters'mdns, melbourne district nursing society, 39 victoria parade, collingwood, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurses home, miss f.l. gordon, mdns uniforms, mdns matron

This photograph shows one of the aspects of nursing care given by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters who worked in the community. The Sister attending had received instructions for care of this toddler's wound from a Doctor. The Sister is using a dressing tray which was sterilized at the RDNS centre. At the time of this photograph many hospitals provided wound dressings for their patients when they returned home. If not attached to a hospital, the family bought their own dressings, though the Sister carried spare dressings in their cases if needed at the time of their visit. The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients, who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed programs, such as Wound Care Programs, to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters)) with methods of best quality care. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. RDNS introduced Wound Care Specialists who carried out assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field. Black and white photograph showing a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister, who has sort dark hair and is wearing a short sleeved white gown over her uniform; the sleeves of her grey uniform skivvie are seen. She is sitting side-on with her left hand resting on the right leg of a seated dark curly haired toddler; her right hand is on a bandage which is from ankle to thigh on the left leg of the toddler. The toddler is wearing a T-shirt with a pattern on the front, and is sitting on a floral cover in a room in her home. At the rear of the photograph a floral covered table is seen with an open dressing tray on a sterile drape; a small jar and bottle are seen on the table. rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rdns wound care

An RDNS Sister had previously visited Mrs. Crook in her home and assessed the nursing care she required. Following the Sister's instructions, the Home Health Aide in this photograph, Robin Brown, is assisting Mrs. Crook from her lounge chair onto her walking frame. Mrs. Crook's son, Robert is also assisting his mother. Home Health Aides were employed and trained by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1980. They wore a RDNS royal blue uniform, which has a white trim and RDNS badge applied to the left hand side, and a dark blue cardigan. In 1980, a Home Health Aide ‘Pilot study’, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by RDNS Principal Nurse Educator. Pat (Paddy) Rowley, was evaluated as successful. Following this Pilot study, Home Health Aides were employed by RDNS, and after instruction in the RDNS Education department, joined RDNS Centres and worked under the supervision of the RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters). The Sister assessed each patient, then introduced and supervised the Health Aide in the patient procedure required. The Sister wrote out clear, concise procedural instructions on a work card which the Health Aide followed each visit. If the Health Aide noticed any change in the patient’s condition, this was reported immediately and the Sister visited. The Sister made routine visits to the patient for review at least monthly. On the left of this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service, Home Health Aide, Robin Brown, who has dark shoulder length hair and is wearing a dark cardigan over her dark coloured uniform which has white piping at the edge. To her right is Mrs. Crook who is sitting froward in her lounge chair. A walking frame, which has a material bag hanging from the front bar, is in front of her. Robin Brown has her left hand on Mrs Crook's back and her right hand under her arm. Mrs. Crook has curly white hair; is wearing glasses which are resting partly down her nose, and is wearing a light coloured cardigan over her dark dress. Part of a necklace of pearls can be seen hanging over her dress. She is smiling and looking at the camera. She has her right hand on the upper part of the right wing of the walking frame and her left hand is on the top hand grip section on the left wing of the frame. To her right, her son, Robert, who is squatted down by the chair, has short dark hair and is wearing a checked shirt. He is holding the left wing of the walking frame with his left hand and his right arm is extended with his hand on his mother's back. Closed floral curtains are seen in the rear of the photograph.Photographer's stamprdns, royal district nursing service, home health aide, home health aide uniform, patient care, mrs crook, mr robert crook, home health aide robin brown

Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Meisser is visiting Mrs. Lata to attend to the nursing care she requires in her home. She is greeting Mrs. Lata on her veranda and is observing her interaction with her dog. Sr. Meisser is wearing her RDNS uniform of a grey cotton short sleeve frock with a small white arched material logo with 'Royal District Nursing Service' in blue capital letters emblazoned on it, attached to the upper sleeve. She is wearing her grey peaked hat. This had a metal RDNS logo attached to the centre front. Sister Meisser worked from the RDNS Moorabbin centre.From its earliest years when the Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms, the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. Their Trained nurses (Nurses) firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. This uniform was used when MDNS was granted Royal patronage in 1966 and worn until 1971 when the uniform changed to a blue V necked frock over a short sleeve white blouse in summer and a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey herringbone V neck tunic style frock made of winter material in the cooler weather. Black and white photograph of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Meisser, of Moorabbin Centre. She is standing on the left of the photograph; has short dark hair and is wearing her grey uniform with peaked hat and black shoes, and is holding her rectangular nursing case. She is standing on the veranda of Mrs. Lata's brick home, and is smiling as she observes, to her right, Mrs. Lata, who has grey curly hair and is wearing a light coloured floral frock. Mrs. Lata is sitting in her wheelchair and with her left hand is patting her pale coloured Labrador dog who has a dark collar and is sitting to her right. Mrs. Lata is in front of her security door which has a white door frame. The house has a white lantern shaped light attached to the wall on the left hand side of the photographPhotographer's stamp and the word 'Publicity'royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, moorabbin centre, mrs lata, sister m. meisser

This photograph shows the Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), Headquarter and Nursing Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. The cars in front of the building are part of the MDNS fleet of cars and are Australian built Holden vehicles of the 1960s. The MDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) seen are wearing their grey uniform coats and hats which had a red Maltese cross in the centre front. Under their coats the Sisters wore grey cotton frocks. The Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) building at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne was originally called 'Airlie Mansion', the childhood home of Stanley Melbourne Bruce, the Prime Minister of Australia 1923-1929. 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. 'Airlie' was used by Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital nurses as a Nurses Home prior to Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), moving into this building as their Headquarters and Nursing Home in 1953. MDNS was given Royal patronage in 1966 and continued to occupy the building as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) until 1996. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and white photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Holden vehicles parked outside MDNS Headquarters, which is seen in the background of the photograph. To the right is a MDNS Sister, who is wearing her grey peaked hat over her drawn back long hair. and is wearing her grey coat and carrying a square nursing case with the capital letters 'RDNS' written on it; she is standing side-on, looking to her left, and her right hand is on the door handle of the front door of the right hand car. To her left is another car, with a MDNS Sister standing on the grass behind the bonnet. She is wearing glasses and her uniform hat is worn over short dark hair. She is wearing a grey coat, scarf and both gloved hands are holding the handles of bags. On the drivers door of this car the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Service' are written in capital letters. On the far left hand side of the photograph, half of a third Holden vehicle is seen and a large tree is on the nature strip between this and the middle car. Behind the vehicles, bushes and a large tree can be seen on the left hand side behind the cast iron fence. Several other bushes and small trees are seen. In the background is MDNS Headquarters; a large white two storey Italian style building, which has three, roman column, arched Arcadia on either side of a polygon shaped bay window on the ground floor, and three long windows to the left and a three arched Arcade to the right on the second floor. Two Sisters in uniform are standing on the veranda of the 2nd floor between the far right hand arch. To the left and right of the building, parts of single storey hip roof buildings can be seen.melbourne district nursing service, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns headquarters, rdns transport, mdns uniforms

Sister McDonald is visiting a patient to give them nursing care as requested. The photograph depicts the RDNS uniform in 1967. Her coat with the blue background Royal District Nursing Service material badge attached to the top of each sleeve, is worn over a grey cotton uniform dress.The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelistis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.Black and white photograph of Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS,) Sister B. McDonald, wearing her grey uniform coat with the words 'Royal District Nursing Service' written in white on a dark curved material badge attached to the left upper sleeve; she is wearing her grey peaked uniform hat over her dark short hair. She is carrying her rectangular nursing case in her left hand and is opening the gate of a tall white picket fence before entering a patient's home. Number '19' is on the right hand side gate post. Trees can be seen behind the fence on either side of the gate. A two storey white attached house is in the background. The grey front door with white surround, can be seen on the ground floor. Two posts are supporting a balcony which protrudes from the top storey; a safety rail runs around its outer edge. A closed colonial door can be seen behind the balcony on the upper storey.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 42rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, sister betty mcdonald

This photograph is a record of the Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Moorabbin Centre, situated at 611 South Road, Moorabbin. It was opened in mid 1965 and was the fourth Centre MDNS had opened. Following Royal patronage in 1966, it became known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Moorabbin Centre.Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service, MDNS, later known as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area, taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and to contact other medical personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph of RDNS Moorabbin Centre. The building is a single story brick building with a flat roof. A row of short glass windows are seen above the brick work to the left of the large glass doors which are on the right of the building. A low standing horizontal fence is seen along the front and along either side of the path leading up to the door. Some bushes are seen in the right hand side garden of the building. A footpath can be seen in front of the fence. On the left of the photograph can be seen a white house with a pitched roof. A dark sky with fluffy white 'cumulus' clouds are seen above the buildings.Photographers stamp. Quote No. DX 18mdns, melbourne district nursing service, mdns centres, royal district nursing service, rdns

Miss Evans, Director of Nursing of Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), is holding an Education session with RDNS staff. Her uniform is a grey skirt and jacket with the RDNS badge emblazoned on her right shoulder. The badge has a white background and black writing. The RDNS Sisters are wearing their grey uniform frocks and red cardigans. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses, through the hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Sisters receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior trained nurses received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and district nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some clients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic clients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of clients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin obtained a Post Basic Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of the RDNS Registered Nurses. Black and white photograph showing Miss Mary Evan standing in the centre rear of the photograph. She is with five RDNS Sisters who have short hair, three with curly hair and two with straight hair, who are sitting on chairs with white paged books resting on 'over the lap' tables. Three Sisters are seated in front of Miss Evans, and another two Sisters are sitting in the foreground. Miss Evans, who has short dark curled hair, is wearing her grey uniform jacket which can be seen with the RDNS cloth badge visible at the top of her right sleeve. She is bending over one of the Sisters and has her right hand pointing to something on the Sister's book. Closed light curtains are seen in the rear of the photograph and a dark desk to the right. On the wall above this, part of a blackboard can be seen.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GF 28rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns education, miss mary evans, rdns d.o.n

This photograph is of RDNS staff taken outside the RDNS Essendon Centre on the day of its opening on the 30th of August 1967. The RDNS Sisters are wearing their uniforms of a red cardigans over their grey cotton frocks. The opening of the RDNS Essendon Centre enabled Sisters to leave from this building to give nursing care in the community. They returned to this building at the completion of their shift.Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS, later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific areas (districts) taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph of sixteen Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS) staff standing in two rows outside the Essendon Centre. The Sisters are wearing uniform dark cardigans over their grey uniforms; an RDNS badge can be seen attached on the upper left hand side front of some of the cardigans. They are wearing their grey peaked uniform hats, which have a round metal silver badge with the capital letter 'RDNS' written in blue across the centre section, attached to the centre front. They are standing in front of a building, which has a flat roof with a dark fascia and below this a large windows down to a short area of brickwork. Part of a light coloured building can be seen in the background on the left hand side of the photograph.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GJ 55rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns centre, rdns uniform

The dignitaries in this photograph are at the opening ceremony of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Essendon Centre on the 30th of August 1967Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service, MDNS, later known as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area, (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph of dignitaries participating in a ceremony. Hanging across the front of the rostrum is a large sign with the round RDNS logo emblazoned in white across the central dark strip, and white sections above and below the strip can be seen. A dark boarder is around the circumference of the logo, with the words 'Royal District Nursing Service' seen. Behind the rostrum a gentleman, who has short dark hair; is wearing a white shirt, dark tie and a dark suit, stands at the microphone. To his rear left sits two ladies, one wearing white, the other grey, and a gentleman in a dark suit. To his right rear sit two gentlemen in dark suits and another can partially be seen. The dignitaries are in a marque which shows a striped background and grey top behind them. There are flowers on either side of the rostrum.Photographers stamp and 'Quote No. GJ 70'rdns, royal district nursing service, essendon centre